It's not a 450, but...

[grayracer513]

It's interesting anyway.

>4 valve engine

>6 speed trans

>EFI

>Electronic engine controls

>a "SM" version

Hmm....

http://www.motocrossactionmag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=74A5CEAF802E4E048817F6A469E47045

[YZF831]

Not sure I like the ktm knock off rear end and a 250f on the street? O well it's still a Yamaha so I'm down.

[grayracer513]

None of that is the point of interest to me. It's the fact that they've completely redone the engine layout, incorporated some very high tech electronics, and they have an interest in a production SM bike of any size. Can a 450 be far behind?

[jayh300]

that is way cool. hey gray, have you seen the video on the yamaha "tricker"?

there are 2 bikes in it and one sure looks alot like the sm.

[Ga426owner]

Agreed...a test bed for a 450 I would dare say......

as well as EFI....for MX

I like the X model - black is back.....I want a set of those fork guards for my 06 LE......?

Good find GreyRacer

[DPW]

dang almost there... need another 200cc, very cool nice find!

[Yamaha4lyfe]

kinda looks like a ktm engine look from the side. but its a good way to test new stuff they bring out. much like ktm does with beta hence my thought of the name "beta" i donno a 600 with same principle as that would rock id buy one, but id take a vtwin ?

[Darvo]

Steel fuel tank? I wonder why. Is plastic not allowed on the streets?

[grayracer513]

Steel fuel tank? I wonder why.

Emissions would be my guess. Same reason all the 5 gallon plastic "Utility Cans" are labeled "not for motor fuel".

[Wiz636]

Steel fuel tank? I wonder why. Is plastic not allowed on the streets?

It's one of those arcane laws that to be street legal a bike must have a steel tank. Rarely enforced though...at least here.

[Wiz636]

Emissions would be my guess. Same reason all the 5 gallon plastic "Utility Cans" are labeled "not for motor fuel".

I wonder could it have anything to do with the FI...I see that the new RMZ has an aluminum tank...

[adamdf]

None of that is the point of interest to me. It's the fact that they've completely redone the engine layout, incorporated some very high tech electronics, and they have an interest in a production SM bike of any size. Can a 450 be far behind?

I wonder why they didn't produce a 450 if anything, i think they would have sold a lot more of those. Those 250s sure look heavy, they don't seem like exciting machines at all but rather a bike for someone who is not really hardcore at all and just wants a bike. I'm thinking a 450 would be a much better option. Ktm has done a great job with their street legal weapons, its a good sign the Japanese are following the trend and no doubt there will be good things to come.

[Ga426owner]

From cycle news

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=11348

[grayracer513]

I wonder could it have anything to do with the FI...I see that the new RMZ has an aluminum tank...

It could, if these bikes are following the standard automotive practice of mounting the fuel pump in the tank.

[Wiz636]

276lbs! At least Yami is still making the WR250F.

[JoeSactown]

So does this mean Yamaha is doing away with the 5-valve design? Or are the current 250's already 4-valve?

[USED YZ426F]

Steel fuel tank? I wonder why. Is plastic not allowed on the streets?

I believe it is a safety issue. The thought is that a metal tank would dent in a collision on the street and the fear is that a plastic tank would crack or split open, spilling fuel.

[Baumann]

The steel tank is probably for mounting the fuel pump, just like the RMZ.

I wouldn't prefer a 450 on the street, unless it has twice the oil capacity, I'd like to see a Yamaha WR500+cc supermotard.

[tnl]

Glad to see some Yamaha interest in the DS category. They need a 450 though!

[leanin]

I believe it is a safety issue. The thought is that a metal tank would dent in a collision on the street and the fear is that a plastic tank would crack or split open, spilling fuel.

It must not be a "street" requirement.. KTM 950 Adventures have plastic tanks and they are on the sides of the bike where they would more likely be damaged in a crash. But, most of us that ride them off-road put crash bars or carbon fiber guards on them for protection.